Perkins inducted in Cowboy Hall of Fame

Gerald Perkins was inducted into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame on Sept. 27, 2015, at the Events Center in Casper. The award was one of 52 presented by Senator Mike Enzi in front of a packed house. Attending the ceremony were family members Mary Lou Perkins, Andy, Becky, Rylee and Addisyn Perkins, Jay, Debra and Jake Bischoff, Cindy Marton, Jamie and Aftyn Grant and Lewis and Paula McSharry.Gerald was born in 1931 up the Greybull River on his family ranch near Meeteetse. The ranch encompassed nearly 6,000 acres and ran 300 mother cows and a band of sheep. The ranch was later sold and is now part of the historic Pitchfork Ranch. He attended the small Meeteetse School through his junior year. Afterward, he set out as a cowboy. He worked on many local ranches breaking horses. He rode the “tougher” ones because the pay was better. He was the cow foreman for the Pitchfork until he was hired as a brand inspector for the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. Gerald worked for about 20 years, stationed in Lovell.[caption id="attachment_10392" align="alignright" width="336"] Senator Mike Enzi presents Gerald Perkins with a special plaque commemorating his induction into the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame on Sept. 27, 2015, at the Events Center in Casper.
Courtesy photo[/caption]He rode bareback horses at the Cody Night Rodeo for several years, roped calves and team-roped and taught his children to do the same. His grandson, Shawn, won the Montana High School Rodeo Championship in June to qualify for the National Finals High School Rodeo but broke his back when a horse fell with him on July 4. Gerald hazed for many high school bulldoggers. Son Chuck was runner-up to the famous Roy Cooper for the “All Around”title at the National High School Rodeo Finalsin 1973.Gerald continued to help at many brandings until he was well into his 70s, and was still hunting elk on horseback with his son Andy less than 10 years ago.Gerald has a natural talent with livestock and has passed this labor of love to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who share the cowboy spirit.